Together, Improving the State of Our State

Young Gamechangers

Young Gamechangers annually brings together a select number of Georgia’s brightest minds under the age of 40, to help solve pressing policy challenges of one Georgia community.

In 2012, 25 Young Gamechangers worked together to revision the future of Americus and Sumter County. Participants worked for six months to identify missed economic opportunities, how to make the community a place for the young, entrepreneurial and retirees and what uniquely distinguished Americus from other rural cities.

The program concluded with a public presentation of proposals to the local community. Some of the Young Gamechangers’ proposals are now being implemented. Indeed, they changed the game in Americus! Congratulations to the 2012-2013 class of Young Gamchangers! To see their final proposals on the future of Americus and Sumter County click HERE.

We are excited about the second year of the program. We are now accepting applications for a new focus city and 30 new participants for the 2014 class. Learn more about the program and apply below.

Who are Young Gamechangers?

Big-thinkers. Innovators. Creative-minded. Civically-driven. We are looking for innovative thinkers from around Georgia and from multiple sectors, including business, law, public health, real estate, urban planning, the arts, non-profits, foundations and academia. Ambitious minds from any sector will be considered for the program. The only other requirements are below.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I become a Young Gamechanger?

We are seeking energetic and collaborative big thinkers from every corner of the state between the ages 20 and 40. To apply, email your resume and cover letter to kris@georgiaforward.org by [DEADLINE EXTENDED] Friday, September 20, 2013. Your letter should explain why you want to participate in the program.

What are the requirements for the program?

Young Gamechangers chooses a different focus city each year. The 2014 program will have three in-person meetings (mandatory for completing the program) including a two-day opening retreat, a one-day meeting and closing retreat. These dates will be announced before the 2014 class is confirmed. Additionally, the class will work together virtually over that time.

Is there a cost to apply or participate?

There is no cost to apply or participate in the program. The program, with the help of our generous sponsors, will cover hotel rooms and meals during the meetings. Your only requirement will be to cover travel costs to and from the focus city.

How can I bring Young Gamechangers to my community?

Any city, county or community in the state of Georgia is eligible to apply and any one from the community is eligible to apply. We are looking for communities with challenges that can be creatively approached by young people.

We also look for communities and leaders who will embrace the program, and help support Young Gamechangers’ work through monetary or in-kind support. To apply, send a letter of interest to kris@georgiaforward.org by Friday, August 30, 2013. In your letter, please identify your community’s most pressing challenges and local resources that might be supportive of the program.

What are the program dates for 2014?

The six-month program begins in January 2014 and concludes in June 2014. The application process for partner cities and potential Young Gamechangers opens on August 1, 2013 and closes on September 30, 2013. The exact dates will be announced before the 2014 class is confirmed.

Where is next year’s program set?

Young Gamechangers is designed to create change in communities across Georgia, and chooses a different focus city each year. The inaugural class worked in the city of Americus and Sumter County. GeorgiaForward will select the 2014 site from cities and counties across the state. Submit your community for Young Gamechangers today!
What happens to Young Gamechangers’ proposals?

GeorgiaForward encourages community leaders to select the most promising proposals and work to bring them to life. GeorgiaForward is committed to working with the community to help identify funding for promising solutions. Our goal is to see one or more of the recommendations come to life.
What makes Young Gamechangers special?

Young Gamechangers is more than a traditional leadership program focused on networking. The program is designed to make tangible impact in select communities and bring young minds into the public sphere as respected idea-generators and problem-solvers. Young Gamechangers is about action.